The Time for Friends

Please forgive me for not having replied to the many, many e-mail's
sent to my wife and I, to say that the last few days have been a
rollercoaster would be the least that we can say.

As you are aware, on Wednesday [July 6, 2005] we were given the honour of
holding the 2012 Olympic Games in London, that night there was great
celebrations in the old town.

Lou in 2014

Thursday morning, and we know what happened in my town, you will
of course have read and seen the pictures that were coming out on this
dreadful happening, the bombing of the bus happened just half a mile
from my home, the Underground Stations are all in close proximity.

There have been very few times that I have had the opportunity
of feeling a special warmth and pride for my HOME TOWN, Thursday I
realised that the ordinary people of London along with the youth of
this town shared the same common bond that my generation felt in the
2nd WW.

There was no panic, the Emergency Services along with the
Metropolitan Police, acted in a firm but controlled way, people going
to work stopped to assist injured people, the injured helped other more
seriously injured. the spirit of the BLITZ (2WW) prevailed, and all of
a sudden we were a United London Town, resolute and proud.

I would like you to see the message sent to us by the Ex-Mayor
of The City of New York, Mr Rudi Giuliani.

Sir, My heart goes out to the brave people of London affected by
the terrorist bombing in the city. I cannot help but be reminded of the
events in New York on September 11th, 2001.

I was near Liverpool Street Station when I was notified of the
first bomb going off and it was eerie once again to be in the area of
an attack on a great city. I heard the sirens rushing throughout the
city and, from what i could see, your emergency services seem to have
responded very quickly and mobilised to minimise the damage.

It is clear that their rapid response helped to contain the emotional
reaction, as Londoners saw the situation being brought under control.

Great Britain was there for us on September 11th, 2001, and you
should know that the United States supports you in your time of need.

New Yorkers feel particular empathy, just as Londoners showed
empathy to New York. In fact, I've mentioned many times that in the wake
of the attacks of September 11th, I viewed the people of London during
the air attacks of the 2nd WW as a model for how to remain courageous
and strong during times of great trouble.

After September 11th, the good people of Great Britain showed
enormous support and empathy to Americans. Prime Minister Blair came to
comfort and assist people.

Of course, Great Britain lost many people in the September 11th
attacks as well, which reminds us that the citizens of the free nations
are linked in the modern world. Prime Minister Blair's visit and the
support my city received from Great Britain demonstrate that we stand
together in opposing those who use terror to attack freedom and
democracy. These are dastardly, cowardly acts and the best way to deal
with them is to stand up to them.

RUDI GIULIANI, New York.

That letter and those words mean more to us as Londoners than
any riches could ever do, it shows to me that the 55 year that I have
been travelling to and in the United States were not without there
rewards, I as an Englishman have always had a very special place in my
heart for you people, and I do today feel as one with you.

Lots of you have sought my views on the perpetrators of these
cowardly actions, I am not as eloquent as Mr Giuliani, my feelings to
these people are simple.

F*** YOU.

My thanks to all of you, what a very special world I live
in and what a wonderful group of people runners are.

Believe me, I love you all with an intensity.

Lou Myers, The Ancient Brit.

Lou Myers (right) receives a special award honoring his support from Scott Mills at the 2000 Bull Run Run 50 Miler

Editor's note: Lou Myers, the "Ancient Brit," sent the message above, asking that it be passed out to the members of the VHTRC, as well as other U.S. running clubs that he has a connection to. Lou has run many events with American runners including participation in the Bull Run Run. On September 11, 2001, Lou sent the following to the VHTRC listserv:

To you all either in the running club or in America, from an Englishman that
went through the 2nd WW and witnessed devastation on a global scale, the
thoughts, prayers and tears of the people of my country go out to you, my
heart is so full of sadness and grief, God bless you all.
Lou Myers.